The Dreaded Writers Block

It starts slowly, the keys don't pound as quickly as they did, the pen isn't scrawling like it used to, and maybe that main character is looking a little boring. You sit at the screen, staring. Hoping by some magic that your book will write itself and you can curl up on the couch and watch Netflix all day.


You've hit the much feared Writers Block head on. Either you wish you could write and nothing happens, or you don't even want to try because fear has you paralyzed. But there is no reason to fear "writer's block", in fact it is an opportunity for growth!


Typically writer's block is an internal issue. A mental game if you will. Maybe you've spent too much time with this specific project, and you need some time off. Maybe you wrote yourself in to a corner and don't know where to go from here. Maybe you just have a fear of getting started on this epic journey called being an author. Writers block is something that must be dealt with immediately or it will fester. Whatever the case may be, I have complied a list of the techniques I have used to beat writers block.


1. Get up and go for a walk. Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. Maybe even go to a new coffee place and bring your laptop.


2. Shut down the electronics, or notebook, and take a step back. This could be for ten minutes, an hour, or a few days. Take some time to clear your head, then think about what could be blocking you.


3. Work on something different. Just get words down on a page. Keep a journal, do a writing prompt, get a writing sprint buddy. As long as words are on the page, you're winning this thing. Get in the habit of writing SOMETHING daily.


4. Read. I know this seems counterintuitive, but most writers become writers because they love to read. Just because you're writing your own stories doesn't mean that you can't enjoy others! You may find your inspiration again!


5. Talk to someone who believes in you and your writing. Nothing is more inspiring than that.


6. Remember that you are only writing a rough draft. "Writing is where we make the words. Editing is where we make the words not suck." Believe me, having something down makes the editing and revising process much easier. No one sat and wrote a perfect rough draft, so you don't either!